European United Left/Nordic Green Left European Parliamentary Group

Time

The GUE/NGL strongly condemns the despicable behaviour of reactionary right-wing groups in Parliament and anti-abortion campaigners who successfully managed to postpone a crucial vote on sexual and reproductive health and rights today.

351 MEPs voted to push back the vote and 319 voted to keep the item on the agenda.

GUE/NGL President Gabi Zimmer slammed the vote outcome to push back voting on sexual and reproductive rights: "Today's behaviour was scandalous. We had a very balanced report which was enriched with amendments coming from all political groups. I was ashamed to sit in plenary today and see such backwards behaviour before my eyes."

"This is a disgusting display of political tactics from the right-wing in Parliament and postponing the vote won't mean anything as sending this back to committee will turn out the same majority as before," commented GUE/NGL MEP and Chair of Parliament's Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee Mikael Gustafsson. "This is a dark day for those who believe that sexual and reproductive health and rights are central to achieving gender equality in the EU and beyond."

"Those who are so against the necessary and progressive measures put forward in this report are living in the dark ages. They have shown that intolerance and shouting at others are their preferred methods."

He continued: "It is imperative that we defend a woman's right to a safe and legal abortion and the right to comprehensive, non-discriminatory sexuality education for all, and we stand up for the rights of LGBTI persons."